Introduction: Evidence for factors determining paediatric tracheostomy decannulation vary extensively; therefore, this prospective observational study aimed to investigate these factors.   Materials and Methods: In total, 67 consecutive paediatric patients (<12 years old) who referred to the Department of Otolaryngology, (Postgraduate Institute Medical Education and Research),(Chandigarh), ...

INTRODUCTION Tracheostomy is probably the most common surgical procedure in critically ill patients and is generally performed to facilitate mechanical ventilation weaning. Evidence-based guidelines have confirmed the benefits of tracheostomy weaning protocols and of the physiotherapists engagement in this process; however, no consensus decannulation criteria are currently available. Therefore,...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To develop and assess the feasibility of a new standardized protocol to guide tracheostomy decannulation. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive review of quality improvement project. METHODS A quality improvement project was conducted in the inpatient setting of a tertiary urban academic hospital. Adult patients who had received a tracheostomy and for whom the indication for trache...

Objectives. (1) Describe an institutional protocol that focuses on the essential steps for decannulation of pediatric patients with long-term tracheostomies. (2) Discuss the preliminary observations of the safety of this protocol in regard to decannulation failures and successes in a selected patient population. Study Design. Case series with chart review. Setting. A tertiary pediatric hospital...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Gradual decrease in tube size and tube capping are considered the standard of care for tracheostomy decannulation. Both of these actions result in increased airway resistance. Immediate decannulation may offer a more tolerable approach. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of immediate tracheostomy decannulation compared with the traditional decannulation methods. METHO...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the importance of flexible bronchoscopy in tracheostomy patients in the process of decannulation to assess the incidence and types of laryngotracheal injury and compare the presence of such lesions with clinical criteria used for decannulation. METHODS We studied 51 tracheostomized patients aged between 19 and 87 years, with tracheal stent for a mean of 46 ± 28 days and ...

OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of tracheostomy tube on the movement of the hyoid bone and larynx during swallowing by quantitative analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing study. METHOD 19 adult stroke patients with tracheostomies, who met the criteria of decannulation participated. Serial videofluroscopic swallowing studies were done over 14 days before decannulation, within 24 hours befor...

Introduction The frequency of tracheostomy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) contrasts with the lack of objective criteria for its management. The study arose from the need for a protocol in the decision to remove the tracheal tube. Objective To evaluate the applicability of a protocol for tracheal decannulation. Methods A prospective study with 20 patients, ranging between 21 and 8...

OBJECTIVE To examine the role of polysomnography (PSG) in helping determine readiness of tracheostomized patients for decannulation. STUDY DESIGN Case series with chart review of pediatric patients who underwent PSG with tracheostomy tube in place with the goal of decannulation. SETTING Tertiary care pediatric center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty-eight tracheostomized patients who underwen...

Decannulation is an essential step towards liberating tracheostomized patients from mechanical ventilation. However, despite its perceived importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this vital transition. Presence of an intact sensorium coordinated swallowing and protective coughing are often the minimum requirements for a successful decannulation. Objective criteria for each of ...